Welcome to Future Transport Tasmania

We are here to lobby for better public transport and rail infrastructure in Tasmania. We aim to find solutions to allow all Tasmanians to have environmentally responsible and affordable commuting options to get around our state and towns. A more detailed mission statement can be found in the left column or <here>.

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Friday, August 7, 2009

Media release

RAILWAY VISION LAUNCHEDTasmania’s railways need a long term plan

Community public and rail transport advocacy group Future Transport Tasmania (FTT) today launched its ‘Vision for Tasmania’s railway future’ at the Tasmanian Transport Museum at Glenorchy. FTT has developed a wide-ranging long-term plan that, if implemented, could ensure Tasmania’s railway system recovers to become an economic strength for the state. The plan is a broad submission designed to show just some of the potential future options for rail in Tasmania.

FTT strongly believes that for the railways to prosper into the future they should remain in Government hands. The last decade has shown that relying on private companies to invest in rail carries considerable risk. With the current world financial climate, it also seems extremely unlikely that a private operator could be found who is willing to invest significantly in Tasmania’s railways.

FTT recognises that implementing its vision would be expensive, but when compared to the cost of building and maintaining highways, investment in rail is far more cost-effective. The vision would also of necessity be implemented over a number of years, and specific elements would require further study before being implemented.

FTT Spokesperson, Toby Rowallan, said; ‘This is our vision for the future of Tasmania’s railways. Whilst it may appear expensive, it is a long-term plan aimed at turning the performance of rail from being a struggling poor cousin of road transport, to becoming a competitive service that enhances Tasmania’s economy. For example, the money being spent on the Brighton bypass and the Kingston bypass would pay for many of the items in the plan. As it stands, the construction of the bypasses will impose additional future maintenance costs. Not only that, but the improvement in travel times made possible by the bypasses, will be completely disproportional to the money spent.’

‘We do not want history to be repeated. The Government has to keep the railways to ensure certainty, for the future growth of rail and the economy. Investment will assist in generating revenue, but it is not essential for a government owned railway to make a profit. What is essential is assisting businesses who are using the railways, so that they can grow and further our economic development.’

‘We understand that the Government did not want to take over the railways, but we applaud them for committing to rail and ensuring its survival. We want the Government to now go beyond that, and create a plan to ensure its prosperity and growth. This will greatly assist Tasmania’s economic growth and success. The railways need new locomotives, new rolling-stock, the tight corners straightened and the steep grades eased. Once that is done, then we will be able to say that the railways have really been saved.’

To lobby for and promote rail transport as a preferred option for bulk and intermodal freight

To lobby for and promote improvement and expansion of Tasmania’s rail infrastructure and network

-The retention of the Bridgewater to Hobart line- The reopening of various other lines eg. Derwent Valley, Wiltshire, Smithton and Scottsdale

To lobby for transport solutions to be integrated into urban and regional planning

PRIMARY RATIONALE

Climate change demands action, increased public transport services are inherent to this response

Increasing oil costs, together with the reality of Peak Oil will ensure that significant improvements to public transport services, with a much wider range of options, is necessary in the near future

Economic efficiency –assisting business and providing jobs

Equity and accessibility

Improved air quality and matching Tasmania’s Clean and Green brand

Addressing unsustainable traffic congestion

Removing discrimination –improving access to public transport for the disabled, elderly people and parents

More closely knit and cohesive communities;-eg. Neighbours who catch the same bus are much more likely to talk to one another in comparison to those who drive themselves to work

The notion that public transport systems or indeed a publicly owned rail system have to pay their own way is potentially counterproductive to the aim of such a system-Were Hobart’s old tram and suburban rail systems closed due to lack of patronage, or running costs?

Current demand is not relative to future use, simply because of the lack of current transport alternatives

Rail transport is potentially far more efficient than road, and has multiple benefits alongside decreasing carbon emissions, including;-significantly decreased road maintenance costs-potentially decreased road toll and associated costs relating to heavy vehicle crashes-Tasmania’s rail network was constructed in the 19th century and has to compete with a 20th century highway

MORE ABOUT US

Until now there has been no community-based group advocating public and rail transport. We are here to fill this gap and provide a voice for these issues in the public arena.

We mean business and will work as vigorously as any corporate lobby group does, except that unlike some we want to hear public opinion.

Membership of FTT is open to any person who wishes to be a part of it.

We are not affiliated with any political party. We welcome discussion of our agenda and ideas with anyone, and we hope to have discussions with all three major political parties in Tasmania about these issues.

Tasmania is currently re-defining itself. As part of this process of change and growth, in a vision of sustainability and progress, transport infrastructure is a vital part of nation (and state) building. Future Transport Tasmania aims to bring this vision of the future into today’s public debate.

For further information and comment:Toby Rowallan (Secretary) 0418 997 069Email: